Research and Development-Developing new technologies and bringing them into practical use
2019/03/20
Breeding and genetic improvement of farm animals by new technology focusing on molecular genetic techique.
Studies are being conducted to identify genes or linked genetic markers affecting economically important traits of farm animals for Japanese food production. Applications to livestock improvement are also being investigated.
The genes identified by NLBC
・The gene involving the resistance to mastitis of dairy cattle.
・The genes involving the conception rates in cows.
・The gene involving the fatty acid composition in beef which affects its taste.
・The gene involving the inosine 5′-monophosphate, which contribute to umami taste,
  content in beef.
・The gene involving the litter size of swine.

An analysis of DNA marker

The family for analyzing the genes affectung reproduction.（Meishan × Duroc）
The family for analyzing the genes involving meat quality.（Japanese Black × Limousin）
Developing methods for evaluating the taste of meat
In order to improve livestock animals that can produce meat which responds to needs of consumers, researches are being made on development of evaluation methods for the taste of meat, utilizing sensory assessment and physicochemical analysis. Applications to livestock improvement are also being investigated.
Sensory evaluation of meat

Measurement of physical property of meat

The overseas investigation for the palatability of Japanese WAGYU beef

Improvement of the livestock reproduction technology
NLBC continually strives to improve livestock performance using new technologies including the areas of animal reproduction, particularly in embryo transfer technology. NLBC focuses on research of Ovum Pick-Up and In Vitro embryo Production（OPU-IVP）for cattle, and also non-surgical transfer of vitrified embryos for pig.
Oocytes collection by OPU technique and individual well of the well（WOW）culture system for efficient production of in vitro embryos with high fertility.
Vitrification of embryos in liquid-nitrogen vapor by Micro volume air cooling (MVAC) method and non-surgical transfer to pig.
Research on the technology involving husbandry
Researches are being carried out on technologies involving husbandry of animals, production and utilization of forage crop, pasturage and processing and utilization of animal excrements.
Fattening experiment

Robot milker